When it unveiled the new E-Class at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz confirmed what we already knew: that the midsize sedan looks like a smaller S-Class (or a larger C-Class if you prefer). But while styling is a matter of taste, the E-Class is arguably the most advanced vehicle on the midsize market thanks to its state-of-the-art features, and this feat has extended other versions that followed. Having already launched a coupe, wagon, and the All-Terrain models, Mercedes-Benz introduced the E-Class Cabriolet at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

Brought into U.S. dealerships for the 2018 model year, the E-Class Cabriolet shares styling cues with its Coupe sibling. However, a big change compared to its predecessor has occurred under the skin. Unlike the previous model, the new E-Class Cabriolet shares underpinnings with the brand-new E-Class sedan, which rides on a rear-wheel drive architecture, dubbed MRA, that’s lighter and extremely flexible. This is a big deal for the midsize drop-top, which previously sat on the same platform as the C-Class, making it rather short and cramped compared to its competitors. It's also roomier than ever and equipped with the company's latest technology.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Mercedes E-Class Convertible.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Not surprisingly, the E-Class Cabriolet is almost identical to the coupe as far as design goes. When the soft top is up, it has a silhouette similar to that of the fixed-top model, as Mercedes-Benz designed the canvas roof to mimic the coupe's top almost in terms of shape and size.

Much like the coupe, the convertible also feature the same front fascia as the sedan, including the S-Class-inspired headlamps with twin LED strips, the significantly larger grille, and the A-shaped bumper we’ve come to see on almost every Mercedes lately.

It’s behind the A-pillar that the E-Class Cabriolet is different. The windscreen sits a tad lower, the front doors are longer, while the wheelbase is a bit shorter than the sedan. The missing C-pillars and the foldable roof spawned a redesigned decklid and revised rear fenders. Despite this, the elegant lines of the new E-Class are still there. Around back, it sports the same taillights as the S-Class Cabriolet (unlike the E-Class sedan), but uses a different bumper and different chrome work.

E-Class Cabriolet Vs Coupe

The ride height has been lowered by 0.6 inches compared to the sedan, which emphasizes the sporty character of the two-door convertible body style.

The soft-top has also been redesigned. Available in dark brown, dark blue, red, or black, it has a multi-layered structure with thick insulation that reduces wind and road noise, enhancing comfort inside the cabin. Derived from the S-Class Cabriolet, the roof can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds when travelling at a speed of up to 30 mph. After opening, it folds down and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the trunk. A retractable cover separates the soft-top from the remaining trunk space so that the driver does not have to stop to operate the trunk separator manually.

New E-Class Cabriolet Vs. The Predecessor

Compared with its predecessor, the new E-Class Cabriolet has also grown in size. With a length of 190 inches, a width of 73.2 inches, and a height of 56.2 inches, the new car is the longest and widest E-Class Cabriolet to date. It also has wider tracks front and rear, which translates into better driving dynamics. Its considerably larger footprint also translates into a roomier cabin.

Exterior

E-Class Cabriolet

Predecessor

Difference

Vehicle length (Inches)

190.0

185.0

+5.0

Vehicle width (Inches)

73.2

70.3

+2.9

Vehicle height (Inches)

56.2

54.8

+1.4

Wheelbase (Inches)

113.1

108.7

+4.4

Track width, front (Inches)

63.3

60.8

+2.5

Track width, rear (Inches)

63.5

60.6

+2.9


Competing Designs

For a few years now -- since Jaguar discontinued the XK in 2014 to be precise -- the premium, midsize convertible niche remained a two-car battle between the E-Class and the BMW 6 Series. But while the current 6 Series is still going strong, Bimmer luxury drop-top is obviously dated compared to the new E-Class Cabriolet. Whereas the Merc is brand-new, has a fresh design, and it's loaded with technology, the 6 Series is already six years old. With the grand tourer being one of the very few BMWs that have yet to be updated to the company’s latest design language, the discrepancy is very noticeable when it comes to exterior styling. The current 6 Series feels old and lacks the elegance of the E-Class Cabriolet and the 2015-model-year facelift didn’t do much to change that. This will change when the next-generation 6 Series arrives -— likely sometime in 2018 -— but until then, the Bavarian coupe leaves a lot to be desired.

BMW 6 Series Cabriolet

Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

Wheelbase (Inches)

112.4

113.1

Wheelbase (Inches)

192.8

190.0

Length (Inches)

74.6

73.2

Width (Inches)

53.7

56.2

Height (Inches)

63/65.2

63.3/63.5


Interior

Inside, the E-Class Cabriolet is identical to the coupe save for infinite headroom that comes with a folding roof. Naturally, the rear compartment has less headroom and shoulder room with the canvas top in place compared to the sedan, but all passengers will enjoy infinite headroom when the roof is folded behind the rear seats. Other than that, look for the same styling features that make the E-Class Coupe a nice place to spend time in, including design cues borrowed from the S-Class, excellent fit and finish, attractive upholstery colors, and plenty of expensive options.

However, while the more affordable models of other E-Class versions come with an 8.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system as standard, the Cabriolet gets the 12.3-inch unit at no extra cost. The instrument cluster with the seven-inch screen and two analogue dials remains in place in the less expensive variants, but the fully digital 12.3-inch display is available. Alongside the new screen, the infotainment system also has redesigned menus, functions, and Linguatronic voice control.

The steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons that debuted in the E-Class sedan also found its way into the Cabriolet. The new function can detect horizontal and vertical swipes just like the screen of a smartphone or tablet and allows the driver to control features of the infotainment system using only their thumbs. Other highlights include a new Comand rotary dial, energy-saving LEDs for interior lighting, and an optional Burmester sound system with 23 speakers.

The Cabriolet is also available with AirCap and AirScarf neck-level heating system to enhance comfort when driving with the roof down. There's also an all-new 50:50 folding rear seat backrest that create a through-loading feature in the interior for everyday practicality.

New E-Class Cabriolet Vs. The Predecessor

Interior

E-Class Cabriolet

Predecessor

Difference

Effective rear legroom (Inches)

34.09

30.07

+4.01

Max. front/rear headroom (Inches)

40.70/36.41

40.11/36.18

+0.59/+0.23

Front/rear shoulder room (Inches)

56.06/48.34

54.09/47.79

+1.96/+0.55

Front/rear elbow room (Inches)

58.74/51.49

57.24/50.70

+1.49/+0.78


The Competition

Although it hasn’t received many updates in its first six years on the market, the 6 Series' cabin looks somewhat fresh. It's also a good example of how an upscale interior should look thanks to the masive amount of wood on the dashboard and center console, as well as the vertically oriented styling cues and overall classy feel. But while the design isn't as dated as you'd expect from a six-year-old car, the 6 Series falls behind when it comes to comfort in the rear seats and features. Although it comes with a long list of standard features that include the usual automatic A/C, BMW ConnectedDrive Services, cruise control, leather upholstery, navigation, and heated front seats, the 6 Series doesn't benefit from the state-of-the-art tech available with the latest E-Class.

BMW 6 Series Cabriolet

Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

BMW 6 Series Cabriolet

Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

40.3/36.5

40.70/36.41

Headroom front/rear (Inches)

42.1/30.5

34.09

Legroom front/rear (Inches)

56.9/49.6

56.06/48.34

Shoulder room front/rear (Inches)

10.6

TBA


Drivetrain

At launch, the E-Class Cabriolet will get the bi-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 328 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This version is sold as the E400 and E400 4Matic in the U.S. Speaking of 4Matic, the new Cabriolet is also the first E-Class drop-top to become available with the company's all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission is standard.

In Europe, customers have access to more drivetrains. The gasoline range begins with the E200, which draws juice from a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 181 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. This car is available in both rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive versions. Next up is the E300, which uses the same engine, but tweaked to generate 242 horses and 270 pound-feet of twist. The E400 is available in Europe too, with the same specs.

Moving over to diesels, the E220d comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood. The mill is rated at 191 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and is nearly a half-second quicker than the base gasoline model from 0 to 62 mph. 4Matic is optional. More power comes from the E350d. An AWD-only model, this two-door comes with 254 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque on tap.

As of this writing, there's no word on whether the E-Class Cabriolet will also get the E250, E350e, and E200d variants available with the sedan.

Competing Performance

Unlike the E-Class Cabriolet, the 6 Series Convertible comes with more than just one engine. The range begins with the 640i, which uses a 3.0-liter inline-six that generates 315 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Next up is the 650i, powered by a 4.4-liter V-8 rated at 443 horses and 479 pound-feet. The third drivetrain is a diesel, something we might not get in the E-Class Cabriolet for a very long time. The 640d moves about thanks to a 3.0-liter inline-six that sends 308 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. The only downside is that this unit isn't available in the United States. But despite having more engine options, the 6 Series Convertible is quite heavy and not as dynamic as the E-Class, tipping the scales at more than 4,000 pounds in its lightest iteration.

BMW 640i Convertible

BMW 650i Convertible

Mercedes-Benz E400 Convertible

Engine

3.0-liter Twinpower Turbo inline 6-cylinder

4.4-liter Twinpower Turbo V-8

3.0-liter V-6

Horsepower

315 HP @ 5,800 RPM

445 HP @ 5,500 RPM

328 HP @ 5,250-6,000 RPM

Torque

330 LB-FT @ 1,300–4,500 RPM

480 LB-FT @ 2,000–4,500 RPM

354 LB-FT @ 3,500-5,250 RPM

Transmission

8-speed Sport Automatic

8-speed Sport Automatic

9G- TRONIC nine-speed automatic

Acceleration 0–60 mph

5.3 seconds

4.5 seconds

5.2 seconds

Top speed

130 mph

130 mph

130 mph

Weight

4,015 Lbs

4,260 Lbs

TBA

Weight distribution, front/rear

50.9 / 49.1

52.2 / 47.8

TBA


Suspension

The redesigned convertible feature the same steel-spring suspension with selective damping developed for the sedan. Optionally, customers will be able to select the Air Body Control suspension, a multi-chamber air suspension that controls how firmly the springs react to the road. An industry-first feature, it comes with all-around self-leveling for improved comfort and its ground clearance can be increased at the push of a button. Unlike the standard suspension, which has only the Comfort and Sport modes, the Air Body Control gets four settings: Comfort, ECO, Sport, and Sport+.

Safety

On top of the numerous airbags that come with any modern Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class Cabriolet gets the innovative Drive Pilot feature, which enables the car to follow the vehicle in front at speeds of up to 130 mph. The systems uses automatic braking and accelerating, as well as the Steering Pilot to handle moderate bends. A Speed Limit Pilot function automatically adjusts the car’s speed according to on-the-road speed limits detected by a camera. These features are part of the optional Driver Assistance Package Plus. Other driver assistance systems will include Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, and Remote Parking Pilot.

Prices

Pricing for the E-Class Cabriolet starts from $66,300 in the U.S. That's a $2,700 premium over the outgoing model. Upgrade to the 4Matic version of the E400, and the sticker jumps to $68,800. Prices do not include the $995 destination and delivery fee.

Competing Prices

The 6 Series Convertible starts from $85,100 in the U.S., a whopping, $20,000 more than the E-Class Cabriolet. For this amount, you get to take home the 640i model with RWD. Opt for the AWD version, and the sticker jumps to $88,100. Things get even more expensive with the 650i, which retails from $96,500 with RWD and from $99,500 with xDrive. The diesel model isn't offered in North America.

BMW 640i RWD

$85,100

BMW 640i xDrive

$88,100

BMW 650i RWD

$96,500

BMW 650i xDrive

$99,500


Competition

Audi A5 Convertible

While the previous E-Class Cabriolet was pretty much in the same market as the A5 Convertible due to the fact that it was based on the smaller C-Class, the new-generation midsize is significantly larger. But since this niche doesn't have a proper rival to offer besides the 6 Series, the A5 Convertible is a good proposition if you can live with a more compact body and not as much room inside the cabin. Other than that, the A5 has everything it takes to give the Merc a run for its money. Unlike the 6 Series, it has a fresh design for 2017 and the new interior design is beautiful and modern. It's also loaded with state-of-the-art tech, including a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, a seven-inch tablet screen (8.3-inch optionally) atop the dash, MMI Navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The lengthy options list includes inductive smartphone charging and a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system. Various drivetrains are offered, from a 2.0-liter TFSI rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet in the base gasoline model to the 3.0-liter TFSI with 354 horses and 369 pound-feet in the S5. Diesel options include a 2.0-liter TDI with 190 horsepower and a 3.0-liter TDI with 286 horses. Pricing is not yet available, but it should start from around $50,000.

Find out more about the Audi A5 Convertible here.

Conclusion

Much like its other siblings, the E-Class Cabriolet is arguably the most advanced vehicle in its class. Packed with the latest technology, a semi-autonomous drive system, and comfort-enhancing tech like AirCap and AirScarf, the E-Class drop-top offers unprecedented luxury, while also having an elegant, yet sporty design on its side. More good news comes from the fact that the E-Class finally rides on the same platform as its sedan sibling, which makes it not only lighter, but also roomier and more comfortable than its predecessor. The fact that the BMW 6 Series is a bit long in the tooth and not the best looking grand tourer out there -- while being significantly more expensive -- also plays well for the new E-Class Cabriolet.

Spy Shots

April 6, 2016 - First testing session